Data Source

Registry

Type of Study

Cross-section, regular

Data gathering method

Registries

Ease

Data cannot be downloaded directly.

Conditions of access

Formal agreements (e.g. fees, research contracts, institutional agreements, etc.)

Access to data requires: (1) Access fee (2) official authorisation (CCS) (3) authorisation of register holder (CVZ)

Time elapsed between application and reception of data

Months

Type of available data (e.g. anonymised microdata, aggregated tables, etc.)

Anonymised microdata

Formats available

SPSS (default)

Language issues

Documentation is only available in Dutch.

Years of collection, reference years, and sample sizes

Data was collected between 2006 and 2009; data collection is ongoing and is scheduled to continue at some point in the future. It is an integral observation of the Dutch population.

First year of collection

2006

Stratification if applicable

Not applicable

Base used for sampling

Not applicable

Geographical coverage and breakdowns

Entire Dutch population

Age range

No age restrictions

Coverage of main and cross-cutting topics

Detailed study of: Dispensed medicines, ATC-classification.

Possibility of linkage among databases

Linkable to other person databases through anonymised personal number.

Entry errors if applicable

Data entry errors

Breaks

Breaks related to changes in medicine reimbursement rules in the Health Insurance Law (Zvw)

Consistency of terminology or coding used during collection

ATC-classification is subject to minor yearly adjustments

Strengths: The registry provides integral data. Weaknesses: The volumes are not reliably registered.